It’s August, a time when many Americans head on vacation for some R&R before school kicks off again. As travelers book their vacations and hotels, one amenity has become increasingly important: good Wi-Fi. Be it to upload beach photos from the day, download a book to read at the pool or video chat with family back at home, we need strong Wi-Fi connectivity when we travel.
Would you rather have Wi-Fi or air conditioning on your vacation? The choice is clear for many travelers. A recent study from VRBO found that Wi-Fi was the most desired hotel amenity, with 75% of Americans seeking lodging with connectivity. In fact, Wi-Fi outranked a TV or even AC for Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers alike.
Wi-Fi connectivity is so essential because it can augment a vacation by allowing travelers to research and book activities and excursions in unfamiliar places. Vacation time is limited, so people want to experience the best of what a destination can offer. Apps like OpenTable, TripAdvisor, Yelp and the myriad of travel blogs and websites equip vacationers with the information they need to book everything from the most coveted restaurant reservations to the best snorkel outings. Wi-Fi-enabled translation apps and devices can also help travelers overcome language barriers and have authentic conversations with local people.
In addition to improving the vacation experience, Wi-Fi is also essential for staying connected with those at home. Beyond sharing photos and experiences across social media, travelers who own their own businesses or who are traveling without young children need to be able to reach home through a strong and reliable connection. When traveling internationally, Wi-Fi becomes particularly important given the often prohibitively expensive cost of cellular roaming abroad.
Another trend pushing the hospitality industry’s need for Wi-Fi is the growth of “digital nomads,” professionals who work entirely remotely while traveling the world. According to the New York Times, nearly five million Americans describe themselves as digital nomads. For them, the world is their office—as long as it has high-speed internet access. There are entire websites devoted to finding the best Wi-Fi in top travel destinations and entire hotel chains courting these professionals with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
Regardless of age, American travelers agree on one thing: Wi-Fi is essential in hotels and rental properties. It’s the best, most reliable way to plan our vacations and to stay connected to those at home. Wi-Fi connectivity continues to grow in the hospitality industry and, if we align our airwaves to support it, it will continue to do so.